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Stomach churning is an uncomfortable sensation in the abdomen that may occur alongside nausea and other digestive symptoms. Although stomach churning is often only temporary, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition.

In this article, we describe 11 possible causes of stomach churning. We also explain when to see a doctor and provide some tips for treating and preventing stomach churning.

1. Indigestion

Stomach churning is often only temporary.

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, refers to pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

Of the 156 participants, 73 percent reported experiencing at least one of the following digestive symptoms before or during their period:

bloating

abdominal pain

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

constipation

pelvic pain

Digestive issues were more common among participants who also experienced psychological symptoms, such as depressed mood, anxiety, and fatigue. The authors suggested that certain hormones that the body releases during menstruation may affect gut function.

4. Pregnancy

Digestive issues are common during pregnancy, and they may occur as a result of the hormonal changes taking place inside the woman's body. In the later stages of pregnancy, the enlarging womb and fetus can also place an increasing amount of pressure on the abdominal cavity.

5. Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a common cause of stomach churning.

Food poisoning is a common illness that affects people who have consumed contaminated foods or beverages. The most common causes of food poisoning are harmful bacteria and viruses. Other causes include certain parasites, molds, and chemicals.

Although anyone can get food poisoning, the following people have a higher risk:

young children

pregnant women

older adults

people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing organ transplants or living with HIV

The symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild to severe, and they can take hours or even days to appear after a person consumes the contaminated food.

6. Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis, which people often refer to as "stomach flu," is a viral infection of the intestines.

The most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in adults is norovirus, which accounts for between 19 and 21 million cases of the illness each year in the United States. In children, the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis is rotavirus.

General symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:

abdominal pain and cramping

nausea

vomiting

watery diarrhea

fever

Viral gastroenteritis is usually not serious. However, frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration, especially in infants and young children. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

Treatment for people with viral gastroenteritis primarily involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

7. Lactose intolerance

Stomach churning can sometimes be a symptom of a food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance.

People with lactose intolerance experience digestive symptoms after they consume foods containing lactose, a sugar that is naturally present in milk and dairy products. These symptoms occur because their body does not produce enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose.

Lactose intolerance is different than a milk allergy, which is due to an immune response.

As the symptoms can be similar to those of other digestive disorders, celiac disease can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. People with celiac disease can manage their symptoms by adopting a gluten-free diet.

9. IBS

IBS is a disorder that affects the function of the bowel. Between 10 and 15 percent of people in the U.S. have IBS.

Experts do not know what causes IBS, but they believe that it may be due to the increased sensitivity of the bowels.

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